Louis T. Mattioli, 93, Of Natrona Heights passed peacefully on Wednesday, May 2, 2018 at home after a lengthy illness. Born November 2, 1924 to immigrant parents Adam and Teresa DeCamille Mattioli. He was raised as a member of the strong close knit Italian community existing in Brackenridge of many extended families.
He enjoyed telling stories of the life and hardships amongst the immigrant families living on 1st and Brackenridge Avenue. He was proud to be amongst 1st generations Italians given the opportunity of a better life. He graduated from Har-Brack in 1942 and moved to New York City after completing tech school as an airplane engine mechanic.
His stay was short lived though, as he enlisted in the Marines to dutifully serve his country as a PFC in WWII. He was a purple heart recipient serving in the South Pacific, Okinawa, and stayed on in China as a peacekeeper a year after the war. Back home in Brackenridge he used his opportunity as a veteran to continue his education working his way thru the University of Pittsburgh as a window washer and contractor.
He followed his brother Dr. Francis into careers in dental medicine. Before graduating in 1954 he met and married his beloved wife, Mary Louise Spinelli of Tarentum, who preceded him in death on January 17, 2013. Dr. Lou was an avid Pitt sports fan.
His loyalty being initiated by his brother Fran’s outstanding football career there and later with the Steelers. He also enjoyed Pirates spring training with his wife and daughter, Michelle from his winter home in Bradenton Beach, Florida. After retiring he traveled with his wife, but home is always where his heart was.
He especially enjoyed Italian Sunday dinners at home with family, friends and Vibo’s bread. He loved drives in the country, eating out, reading, gardening and especially his Canadian fishing trips with his good friends and family. Lou was a small man of few words but and exceptional husband, father and provider.
He loved animals as most of his travels included stays in parks to admire the beauty of nature. He was a member of Our Lady of the Most Blessed Sacrament R.C. Parish, Most Blessed Sacrament Church in Natrona Heights, Hillcrest Country Club in Lower Burrell, life member of the VFW, American Legion and was a former staff member at Allegheny Valley Hospital. He leaves 3 adult children, Michelle (Joe) Isenberg, of Natrona Heights, Terry (Christina) Mattioli, of York, and Gary Mattioli, of Natrona Heights; and his loving and caring granddaughter, Victoria.
He was preceded in death by his parents and brother, Dr. Francis (Blanche) Mattioli and many aunts, uncles and cousins. Losing his beloved wife, Mary Lou and tragically losing his youngest son Thomas in 2014 were unbearable. Fortunate enough to live to an old age, Lou survived most of his good friends and collegues.
He cherished hearing from his best friends. He will also be missed by his long time family friends, Darla and Lois, caring neighbor, Sue and his caretakers, John and Kathy. Lifes battle is over, Dad.
rest in peace. You were brave, fought a long and hard fight and were always a survivor. “Semper Fi”, Dad.
Services for Dr. Mattioli were held on Monday, May 7, 2018 in the Cicholski-Zidek Funeral Home, Inc. Natrona Heights 724-224-8688. Officiating was the Rev. Chester Howell.
Burial with full military honors’ was in Mt. Airy Cemetery, Natrona Heights. Contributions in memory of Dr. Mattioli may be made to Animal Protectors of Allegheny Valley, 533 Linden Avenue, New Kensington, Pa.
15068. To send an on line condolence please visit www. cicholski-zidekfh.com,.
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